Welcome to the Panmure Lagoon Pool and Leisure Centre

Travelling down Lagoon Drive, it’s hard not to miss the Lagoon Pool and Leisure Centre with the pristine blue water and huge water slide. The space provides top facilities in Panmure, and new YMCA manager, Andy Rodgers, is keen to get the good word out to raise their profile and showcase the dedicated staff. Formerly Swimarama, the Auckland Council-owned centre is a hub for local leisure and fitness, with access to heated indoor pools, spa, and saunas all year round. They offer swim programmes for all ages, a fitness centre and classes, huge outdoor pool, splash pad, and mammoth slide which operates during the summer months.

A fitness enthusiast at heart, Andy was previously based at the Y Shakesphere Lodge in Whangapāroa promoting outdoor education, but exciting plans around a new baby brought him and his partner closer to the city for work in Panmure, and so far, he’s loved getting to know the area better.

“It’s definitely different here in Panmure, but in a good way. It’s interesting, because although this location has been here for a long time, there are still pockets of people who live nearby that don’t know much about the facilities we provide. But I guess it comes down to us putting ourselves out there too, and the importance of connecting with local groups, people and organisations. There are some upgrades happening near the basin, and quite a bit of development, so it’s set to get a lot busier around here. Although progress feels a bit slow at times, we’re getting there, and it’s a good feeling.”

Andy also oversees the busy Lagoon Stadium located across the road, which provides a space for badminton, basketball, volleyball, futsal and the fast-growing craze Pickleball. There is also a dance studio space and boxing gym available for hire.

Ashley Edwards is the Aquatic Supervisor and has been employed at the centre for five years. She lives locally and is proud of the top-tier services they provide. Her journey has been nothing short of inspirational, and the proud mum is always keen to share her story in case it resonates with someone on a similar journey.

“As a single parent, I wanted to invest in something positive for my son. I needed the money, and I saw a poster advertising a job for a swim instructor. I was looking for something that would suit my son’s school hours, and this sounded perfect. I went in to reception and asked if they were hiring, and the manager, Helen, who is still the manager today, she told me to come back for an interview the next week. Then I was so happy when I got the job.” After three years as a swim instructor, Ashley then moved into an admin role, and one year ago, applied for her current supervisor position.

“I wanted to see what I could achieve for myself. I absolutely love working here and the people and relationships I’ve made. My son goes to school nearby, and he’s grown up here. This job has provided me with so many opportunities, and I have an amazing aquatics manager who helped me develop my knowledge and growth.” Andy was inspired by Ashley’s story and is seeking to partner with local tertiary providers to see how they can offer opportunities to create similar employment pathways. “Even though I went to university, I didn’t finish high school. But I knew my passion, which was fitness training and gym, and that has put me where I am today. So we’d love to be able to create something similar for promising students and graduates.”

You can read the full edition of the Mai Tāmaki Magazine for Spring 2025 online here.